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Top 3 Tips for Remote Worksite Setup

Jobs that require working from new and rural locations are not just another day in the office. In fact, they’re rarely a day in the office at all. Setting your worksite up right from the start can improve operational efficiency, mitigate risk and get you back on track quickly when things don’t go your way. To help you get started right, check out our top 3 tips for remote worksite setup.

Have Emergency Medical Plans

In addition to your normal safety training and requirements, develop a plan for getting emergency responders to your site quickly, in the event they are needed. Research and get in touch with local emergency personnel and become familiar with their locations and direct phone numbers. Make sure you’re prepared to treat even critical injuries should first responders take a while to reach your site. Have your plan in place before bringing workers on-site.

Assign responsibilities for potential emergencies. Designate leaders for specific tasks such as calling the responders to the scene and guiding them from the road to the incident. This will expedite aid should you need it.

Order Materials Well Ahead of Time

Order materials as early as possible for a new, remote project. This way, you and your team have what you need when the project starts.

For supplies that can’t be sourced locally, plan for longer delivery times as you are likely to be working far from usual shipping locations. Be sure to monitor inventory levels closely and keep on top of deliveries times so your project doesn’t grind to a halt while your team waits for material deliveries.

Make Sure You Have the Necessary Facilities

Having practical places for your employees, equipment and materials is crucial when working in distant areas. Make plans for the number of workers you will have on-site and consider important factors of your day-to-day work.

Will you need an office? Will you be holding meetings in that office? Do you need areas and tables for planning? How many restrooms do you need? Make sure your office has enough space for all the ways you’ll use it. Depending on the project, you may be here for a few months or several years. Choose a comfortable and functional workspace for everyone.

Likewise, determine if storage containers will be needed. Designating an area to store equipment and materials somewhere safe and secure on-site will help your team make the most of their workday.

For remote sites especially, simple things like access to food services can require additional planning. Depending on the location and time of year, you may be fighting against daylight, excessive drive times or a variety other unforeseen challenges, in which case getting a meal can take hours or put your workers at risk. Having a designated space to eat, such as a breakroom, and even providing the food can save you time and keep your employees satisfied.